For difficulty sleeping, some over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) may help. Tylenol PM® contains the active ingredient in Tylenol® (acetaminophen) plus diphenhydramine and is ok to take but is no better than plain Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) for sleep unless you have pain that you need the acetaminophen for also.

Patients with diabetes should check their blood sugars more frequently during the first 24-48 hours after steroid treatment.

Your physician may instruct you to take an antacid such as Zantac® or Pepcid® while taking methylprednisolone.

Drink orange juice or eat bananas on the days that you receive methylprednisolone. This will help to replenish your potassium stores and may help to prevent leg cramps.

Taking this medication may make you more susceptible to infections so you should avoid contact with sick people and wash your hands often.

Most patients on long-term steroid treatments should take a calcium and vitamin D supplement to prevent osteoporosis.

Talk to your health care provider before receiving any vaccines.

o Some vaccines you should avoid while others may not work while on this medication.

When to contact your healthcare provider
If you are experiencing:

Chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing

Rash, hives, extreme itchiness

Swelling of the face or lips and swelling or tingling of the tongue and throat

High fever, severe sore throat or any other signs of infection

Fast heartbeat (palpitations), sweating, confusion

Sudden pain or swelling in the legs, ankles, feet or hands

Extreme headache, eye pain or trouble seeing

Abnormal muscle pain or weakness

If your stool is very black or you see blood in your stool

Although methylprednisolone may be given to you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding an infant, contact your physician if you are or if you think you may be or if you would like to become pregnant or breastfeed an infant.